iPad 2 at Toys R Us: on sale today
Multiple online reports are saying that the iPad 2 is available -- starting today -- at Toys R Us stores.
Supposedly only the Wi-Fi models will be sold at the Toys R Us stores, not the 3G-enabled ones. Starting price is the usual: $499 for a 16GB iPad 2.
Apple's distribution of the iPad 2 is deeper and broader than the original iPad. Demand for the device remains huge, while supply is constrained, and yet Apple continues to expand the retail points that are making it available.
I think Apple sees a huge opportunity to flood the market with iPads, seeing that there remains no meaningful competition on the horizon yet this year. The company's only problem is that it can't seem to make them fast enough to supply demand.
Toys R Us is a smart place to launch an iPad. It's one of the most kid-friendly digital devices to ever launch, and Toys R Us is all about making kids drool for stuff. Plus, Toys R Us stores often contain Babies R Us stores, with young parents looking for all sorts of gadgets for their toddlers. The iPad, by the way, is great for toddlers. My daughter is growing up with one.
Apple is clearly trying to get iPads into the hands of kids -- and parents -- as early as possible.
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Comments
This move will benefit both companies (Apple and Toys R Us). Technically, with its gaming capabilities, you can really consider tablet computers a toy so it really deserves a spot on the shelves of Toys R Us.
Posted by: Scotty Truman | April 18, 2011 6:33 AM
Okay, for us tech rubes...can you point out the differences between iPad 1 and 2. Thanks.
Sure, the iPad 2 is faster and thinner, and has a front and rear camera, for easy video-chatting with friends and family. Those are basically the main differences. -gs
Posted by: Brak | April 18, 2011 10:11 AM
Yeah, it worked great for me. I found the list of Toys R Us stores carrying iPad 2s at iPad2Tracker.com. I saw a store down the road listed, so I checked it out. Fortunately, I was able to walk in and grab one without any trouble or waiting.
Posted by: Steve Arn | April 19, 2011 1:23 AM